Nanotechnology And Skin Care

Today nanotechnology is being used in computer science, medicine and cosmetic manufacturing. Research in the medical field has shown where nanotechnology can help with the healing and repair of skin tissue. In the cosmetic arena it is believed that the smaller particles are more readily absorbed into the skin and as such repair damage easier and more efficiently. It is believed that as new products are developed nanotechnology may be used to prevent graying hair and combat hair loss in some cases.



Nanotechnology is elevating the development of skin care products and cosmetics to another level, making them high-tech so as to deliver increased benefits to users. In addition to improving the efficacy of cosmetics and skin care products, nanotechnology is making it possible for other ingredients to be used in the manufacturing of beauty products.



Nanotechnology in the beauty industry involves making products with nanoparticles that can go deeper below the skin’s surface to give better results. Sunscreens and some anti-aging products are the main cosmetic products on the market currently being made using nanotechnology.



Some large cosmetic players are leading the charge in the field of nanotechnology in the beauty industry. Chief among these companies are L’Oreal who has employed the technology in products such as Revitalift anti-wrinkle cream. According to L’Oreal Revitalift’s results are immediate because the product contains “nanosiomes of Pro-Retinol A”. Estee Lauder also has a number of nanocosmetics on the market, as does Proctor & Gamble, Shiseido and Duprey Cosmetics.



However, because of the relative newness of the technology in terms of cosmetics manufacturing there is still concern as to how safe nanotech cosmetics are and their long-term effect. Agencies such as the Federal Drug Administration (US) and The Royal Society (UK) have issued statements calling for continued testing and transparency governing research on the use of nanotechnology in cosmetics. Some nanoparticles have received FDA approval, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which have been included in sunscreen; in 1996 the FDA is reported to have concluded that “… smaller, micronized particles of titanium dioxide are not new substances and that there is no evidence demonstrating that these micronized particles are unsafe.”